Campers' Group Bulletin - Summer 2008

Summer's here and the time is right.... to join us camping in the great outdoors! We'll be enjoying the many activities available at every special location we have planned to visit this season. The choices include hiking, swimming, paddling, cycling, and of course camping and relaxing with fun outdoor-loving people. Plan now, we want to see you soon!

To reserve a space on a weekend trip or a day event, call the leaders during the listed time period. If you need information earlier than the dates listed below, contact Denise at ddrossos@optonline.net or Ken at kquest@optonline.net and type "campers group" in the subject. You can mail us your dues or pay it at the trip or event. One year's membership costs $8 for an individual or $12 for a family ($12/individual or $18/family if you receive the newsletter by postal mail). Make your check payable to Campers' Group and mail it to David Levner, 63-36 98th Place #5J, Rego Park, NY 11374.

July 3-6, Camping Trip, Swartswood State Park, Newton NJ
Come and hike the trails, or walk to the beach to swim on Lake Swartswood. The park rents canoes, rowboats and paddleboats, and the lake is stocked with fish. The area is also great for for road cycling, or hiking and biking on the nearby Paulinskill Valley Trail with hybrid and mountain bikes. We've reserved a shady group site that holds 20 people. Outhouses at the site, flush toilets and showers at the lake. Quiet hours are 10 P.M. to 6 A.M. NO CALLS BEFORE JUNE 27.

Joan 718-373-5782Denise 646-457-2072

Saturday, July 19, Kirsten's B'day Bash, Arrow Park, Monroe NY
“I'm slogging towards retirement.” So says Kirsten when you ask her, “How old are you now?” And you're invited to slog along with her at her favorite rustic private park. Let's celebrate Kirsten’s special day with delicious food, merriment, boating, and swimming. Bring a dish to share if you care. NO CALLS BEFORE JULY 11.

Kirsten 914-966-8077Terry 718-933-9087

July 25-27, Camping Trip, Buttonwood Hill Campsite in Wharton State Forest, Batsto NJ
We have this campsite all to ourselves in the middle of Wharton State Forest, the largest park in New Jersey. Wharton is in a pine barren where the soil is sandy and pine trees predominate. There's excellent canoeing and kayaking nearby on the Batsto and Mullica Rivers. You can also walk to Crowley's Landing and swim in the Batsto River, or hike and pick blueberries on the trails leading directly from our campsite. The restored village of Batsto is a few miles down the road. Outhouses at the site, flush toilets at Crowley's Landing. NO CALLS BEFORE JULY 18.

Sarah 212-675-5012Frank 914-632-8997

Saturday, August 2, Paddle or Hike, Farny State Park, Rockaway Township NJ
You will have a choice to hike the woodland trails including Wildcat Ridge, or paddle the open waters of this beautifully isolated natural area. Opened to the public in late 2003, Splitrock Reservoir is only a little over an hour from NYC. We will meet at the Hibernia Diner at about 9:00 AM for breakfast and to organize groups for hiking and paddling. There are no boat rentals at the site, so you will have to bring your own if you want to paddle. Rain date Sunday, August 3. NO CALLS BEFORE JULY 26.

Ken 201-388-3685

August 15-17, Camping Trip, Worthington State Forest, Columbia NJ
We'll be camping at a group site, right on the Delaware River. Put on your swimsuit, and boat or fish from the boat launch near the campsite. Hikers can climb up the Appalachian Trail to Sunfish Pond, an unspoiled glacial lake, or visit the Mohican Outdoor Center for nearby swimming or boating. On Sunday morning, Ken will lead a hike starting at 9 A.M. sharp. Chemical toilets by the site, flush toilets and showers in another part of the park. Quiet hours are 10 P.M. to 6 A.M. Limited to 30 people. NO CALLS BEFORE AUGUST 8.

Athmane 917-378-4677Ken 201-388-3685

August 29-September 1, Camping Trip, High Point State Park, Sussex NJ
Swim, boat, fish, hike the Appalachian Trail, ride your mountain bike or just relax at this private group site situated far away from other campers. Hiking to the Monument at the highest point in NJ will award you with the most expansive 360 degree view of PA, NY and NJ in the area. A visit from our friendly black bears will make this trip one to remember. Pit toilets on the site, hot showers and flush toilets at the lake. Limited to 30 people. NO CALLS BEFORE AUGUST 22.

Suzanne 201-232-5843Janice 347-426-4601

September 12-15, Bike Trip, Robert B. Johnson Memorial Hostel, Nantucket MA
Take a day or two off from work and extend your weekend with us at this unique hostel. Enjoy all that this beautiful island has to offer. Originally a 19th century lifesaving station, the hostel's main building has a large kitchen, dining room, and a den. Separate buildings house men's, women's and co-ed dorms. Leave your car in one of the ferry lots on the mainland (remember to pack light), bring or rent a bicycle (or even an electric scooter), and tour the island on miles of bike paths, or take in the flora and fauna by hiking or kayaking. Surfside Beach is just across the street from the hostel. There is even a shuttle bus to take you from the center of the island to the historic whaling village. Enjoy the many shops and seafood restaurants! Please plan now while there is still room left in the dorms. Do not call the hostel at this time to make reservations. To ensure bed availability, you must call a trip leader ASAP. Reservations are being taken now until August 10th.